AN APPEAL has been launched to enable music to play on at Worcester Cathedral.
This year’s Summer Music Appeal is seeking to raise £45,000 through the John Paul Hoskins Choral Scholar Appeal, a special fundraising initiative established in memory of the cathedral’s former precentor, whose lifelong passion for cathedral music inspired musicians and worshippers alike.
Music and choirs are an integral part of daily life at Worcester Cathedral. Maintaining its renowned choirs, organs and world-class choral tradition requires significant annual investment. Through the generosity of donors and supporters, the cathedral has been able to nurture young musical talent and ensure that its rich musical heritage continues to flourish.
As a tribute to John Paul Hoskins and his enduring commitment to cathedral music, Worcester Cathedral hopes to raise £45,000 to launch a new funding programme for choral scholars.
So far, the appeal has raised £32,687 – representing 73 per cent of the £45,000 needed to fund one choral scholar a year for six years.
The fund will guarantee the appointment of one choral scholar each academic year for the next six years, beginning this September. The scholarship, open to altos, tenors and basses, will be awarded solely on ability and merit.
Choral scholars play a central role in the life of Worcester Cathedral’s Music Department.
Through their contribution to the cathedral’s daily round of worship and music-making, scholars gain invaluable experience, develop professional musical skills and benefit from exceptional training opportunities that can shape their future careers.
For some young musicians, these free-to-access opportunities provide the confidence and experience needed to launch a professional musical career. For others, the scholarship offers important life experience, perhaps marking a first year away from home, a first paid role, or a chance to discover the direction they wish to take in life. For all scholars, Worcester Cathedral offers access to excellence in musical education and development at a crucial stage in their lives.
The appeal will have a lasting impact by strengthening the cathedral’s music provision, enriching the experience of all who hear its choirs perform, and providing life-changing opportunities for six talented emerging musicians over the next decade.
The Dean of Worcester, The Very Revd Dr Stephen Edwards, said: “The John Paul Hoskins Choral Scholar Appeal provides an important opportunity to honour John Paul’s commitment to, and promotion of, choral worship in this Cathedral Church. These scholarships will enable young people to experience the excellence of the musical tradition of Worcester Cathedral, to develop their voices alongside professional musicians as part of the ancient tradition of choral music here at Worcester.”
Visit www.worcestercathedral.org.uk/HoskinsAppeal to donate.
